Directing In the Intimate Zone – Auckland
Learn professional best practices in this introduction to directing on-screen intimacy.
Participants will receive training on considerations and respectful processes when working on a range of ‘intimate scenes’ in this one-day workshop on September 10. The workshop will be led by intimacy coordinator, actor and director Jennifer Ward-Lealand.
We will start the day with discussion, real world examples and demonstrations. Afterwards, we will practise working with actors on developing intimate scenes in a safe, supportive and creative space. Participants will learn how these processes ensure that the work is consensual, engaging and best serves the story.
Who’s it for?
All drama directors – professionals and film school graduates – welcome. Producers and First Assistant directors are also invited to attend.
Breakout Directors
DEGANZ welcomes directors to apply for 1 of 4 places to direct a scene in the breakouts. Other directors can elect to observe the breakouts.
Breakout directors will take turns directing pairs of actors on an intimate scene under the tutors’ guidance. Upon selection, breakout directors may submit a short, intimate scene for two characters – either with or without dialogue – for consideration ahead of the workshop. We can also provide scene options if preferred.
Breakout directors must have experience directing actors for screen, but don’t need experience with directing intimacy.
About Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand
A founding member of Intimacy Coordinators Aotearoa, Jennifer is one of the first fully accredited intimacy coordinators in NZ beginning her training with Ita O’Brien (Intimacy on Set, UK) in 2018. As Equity NZ President, she co-authored the Intimacy Guidelines for Stage and Screen in NZ.
Jennifer has taught intimacy workshops for Toi Whakaari, Te Pou theatre, The Actors’ Program, Pan-Asian Screen Collective, Proudly Asian Theatre, Covert Theatre, South Seas Film and TV School, Howick Little Theatre, Catch Casting and The Equity Foundation. She regularly gives seminars at the SWAG/Screensafe Professional Respect Training workshops and other events.
Her intimacy coordinator screen credits include The Wilds (Disney); Creamerie; Heaven and Hell – the Centrepoint Story (Warners); Ahikāroa series 3 & 4; One of Us is Lying (NBC/Universal), Don’t Make Me Go (Amazon) and numerous short films and web series.
Jennifer is also an experienced actor of 40 years and a director and teacher of 20 years.
Workshop Details
When: Saturday 10 September 2022, 9:30am – 5:30pm
Where: MTG RM, 2 Kingsland Terrace, Kingsland, Auckland
Cost:
DEGANZ member – Free
Member of other Guild/Screen Association – $75
Non-member – $95
Includes tea/coffee and lunch.
Our Payment and Cancellation Policy
Orange Traffic Light Notes
To keep everyone, and in particular our performers safe, directors must abide by the following:
- Do not attend if you are sick with COVID-19, cold or flu symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate.
- Wear a face mask unless you have an exemption.
- Take a Rapid Antigen Test before the start of the workshop. Tests will be provided by DEGANZ.
To Apply
Applications Close: Monday 5 September, 10AM
Please complete the application form below and email your CV to admin@deganz.co.nz. Your CV should clearly list your directing credits and include details such as festival selection and year, commissioners and/or platforms where your work has publicly screened.
DEGANZ will email you to confirm if your application has been accepted.
Application Form
Made possible with the financial support of the New Zealand Film Commission.
